Tooth Extractions:
Gentle, Painless, Efficient Treatment
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Tooth Extractions
When you need oral surgery for simple tooth extractions or the removal of wisdom teeth, you want an experienced West Bloomfield dentist who can deliver gentle, efficient treatment that eliminates pain and protects you from infection. At Zoma Dental, we offer a truly painless procedure and restorative dentistry to replace a missing tooth after the extraction site has healed.
When Do You Need A Tooth Extraction?
Tooth extractions are a big deal. You’re not losing a baby tooth whose roots have dissolved, but rather an adult tooth with an intricate and well-established root system that is firmly embedded in your jaw. Even teeth that are loose because of gum disease or trauma require finesse during extraction.
Your West Bloomfield dentist does not approach the extraction diagnosis lightly and will do everything possible to save a tooth before determining that extraction is the only option. Other measures are always considered first to treat a damaged or problem tooth, including root canal therapy, a tooth-colored filling, or a porcelain crown.
If, ultimately, your dentist decides that an extraction cannot be avoided and, if the tooth remains in place, could be problematic for your overall oral health, oral surgery will be recommended. Some of the most common reasons for tooth extraction include the following:
- Severe decay
- Infection
- Advanced gum disease
- Trauma
- Broken root or fractured bone
- Wisdom tooth removal
Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Wisdom teeth can cause a lot of oral health problems for patients who don’t have enough room in their mouth to accommodate these large third molars. The typical age for wisdom tooth eruption and removal is 16 to 22 years, but this will depend on the size, location, and position of the teeth, and if they’re causing pain, decay, or other problems.
The goal is always to prevent discomfort and infection from wisdom teeth in teenagers and young adults whenever possible, so pre-screening for third molar complications should ideally take place before the teeth wreak havoc. If you see your dentist regularly every six months for dental cleanings and exams, wisdom tooth activity will be monitored at the appropriate age and addressed quickly.
If you don’t have your wisdom teeth removed as a preventive measure, they could cause severe pain because they will only erupt partway, earning them the designation of impacted wisdom teeth. Their odd positioning can also rub against the second molars and cause cavities to develop. Wisdom teeth that are not extracted are a danger to anyone who has had orthodontics – it’s possible for third molars to completely shift alignment and ruin all the hard work done by braces or Invisalign.
What To Expect During a Tooth Extraction?
A conventional tooth extraction begins by numbing the area. During the extraction, you will likely feel the pressure of the tooth being loosened in its socket and removed, but you will not feel any pain. Once the tooth is out, the surgical site must be thoroughly cleaned to ensure that any infected tissue, as well as all bone and tooth fragments have been eliminated, and then the space will be stitched. Some bleeding after the procedure is normal, but gauze will be used to staunch the blood flow.
It is important to follow your West Bloomfield dentist’s instructions about caring for your surgical site, including how often to change the gauze, foods to avoid, and cleaning methods. This guidance helps minimize the chance of infection and promotes healing.
Smile Restoration After A Tooth Extraction
When you have your wisdom teeth removed, there is no need to worry about replacing these teeth. The removal of any other adult tooth, however, can cause oral health problems if that space is not filled. Once the surgical site has healed, your West Bloomfield dentist may recommend a dental restoration like a dental implant, dental bridge, partial denture, or other restorative dentistry solution.
Learn more about gentle tooth extractions from Dr. Zoma at Zoma Dental in West Bloomfield Township, Michigan. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.